Breakout

Adrian and Rex sprinted up the rusted stairs, every step making the metal groan. Behind them, the iron door buckled under heavy impact—whoever was after them wasn't giving up.

"Scan results: Exit ahead leads to the surface. Hostiles patrolling outside."

"Damn it. We need another way out," Rex muttered.

Adrian's eyes swept the area and landed on a broken ventilation duct. Without hesitation, he swung his rifle, smashing the metal grille open.

"Inside. Now," he ordered.

Rex grimaced but crawled in first. Adrian followed, just as the iron door behind them crashed open, shadows flooding the stairwell.

"Hostiles searching. Maintain silence."

Holding their breath, they inched forward through the narrow duct. The cold, rough metal scraped against their clothes, each movement producing a faint screech.

BANG! BANG!

Gunfire erupted outside as the patrol swept through potential hiding spots. Adrian clenched his fists, his pulse quickening.

"Exit detected ahead. Five meters."

Finally, they reached the end of the duct. A loose panel blocked their way out. Adrian gently pushed it aside, revealing a glimpse of the night sky—they had made it to the surface.

Climbing out, they found themselves in an abandoned parking lot. In the distance, searchlights cut through the darkness.

"Down!" Adrian hissed. They ducked behind a wrecked car just as a patrol passed by.

Rex whispered, "What's the plan now?"

Adrian glanced at the AI's map analysis, a smirk forming. "We're picking up some party favors."

He pointed to a nearby abandoned military jeep. Inside its trunk, barely visible under the dim light, were a few intact C4 charges.

Rex blinked, then grinned. "Man, I love this plan."